South Sea. Collection Melanesia and Australia

18.06.2004 to 10.01.2016 Ethnologisches Museum

As from 18 June 2004, after nearly two years of refurbishment, the South Sea exhibition of the Ethnological Museum, with the collections 'Melanesia' and 'Australia' are once more open to the public. Built-to-scale Oceanic boats and houses bring the South Sea atmosphere to Europe, creating a true island world experience.

The island world of Melanesia is characterized by an extraordinary diversity of artistic expression, fascinating with its richness of colour and variety of types. The Australian collection illustrates the collection history of the region. Focal points include seafare, architecture, and crafts such as pottery. Through different media, the exhibition also brings to life social aspects such as money and exchange, images of the body, or the relationship between humans and animals. Original prints of pictures taken by the photographer J. W. Beattie let the world of Melanesia arise from the past in front of the visitor's eyes.

Address / Getting there

Visitor entrance

Opening times

Opening times on public holidays Plan your visit Last admission and ticket sales 30 minutes before closing time.

Please notice that the South Seas collection and the collection on the ethnology of North America (Indians/Native Americans) as well as the Junior Museum will be closed from January 11th 2016.

Extended opening time Fri 6 to Sun 8 January 2017Over the weekend of 7–8 January, the Ethnologisches Museum and the Museum für Asiatische Kunst will open their doors for the last time at their current location, before preparing in readiness for the move to Humboldt Forum. For this reason, the opening hours on this weekend will be extended and special events will be on offer.Fri 6 January 2017: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sat 7 January 2017: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sun 8 January 2017 : 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.